How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Social Security Card in the United States
Request a free replacement Social Security card online or through an SSA office, with current identity-document rules, replacement limits and mailing times.
US United States
Documents & Identity ~ 10 min read
20 FAQ
Updated 2026-09-04
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A lost or stolen Social Security card can be replaced for free through the Social Security Administration. Start at SSA's Social Security Number and Card service, which determines whether your request can be completed online or whether you need an appointment at a Social Security office or Card Center. Many U.S. citizens age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address, no requested changes to the card, and qualifying state-issued identification can complete a replacement request online. If an office visit is required, bring original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency; ordinary photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. After SSA completes the request, it generally mails the replacement card within 5 to 10 business days. Replacement cards are normally limited to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime, with statutory exceptions.
What you need
- Request a replacement through the Social Security Administration.
- Start with SSA's online Social Security Number and Card process to determine whether you can complete the request online or must finish it at a Social Security office or Card Center.
- For a fully online replacement through a personal my Social Security account, the standard eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, having a U.S. mailing address, requesting no name or other card change, and having qualifying state-issued identification in an area supported by SSA.
- If an office visit is required, provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. SSA does not accept ordinary photocopies or notarized copies.
- Replacement-card applicants must provide convincing evidence of identity. Depending on your record and circumstances, SSA may also require evidence of citizenship or immigration status.
- Common primary identity documents include a current U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card or U.S. passport.
- If you cannot use the online application process, complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, and bring it with the required evidence to your appointment.
- Replacement cards are generally limited to 3 in one year and 10 during a lifetime, although specified cards do not count toward the limits and SSA can allow exceptions in compelling circumstances.
Eligibility
A person who already has a Social Security number may request a replacement card when the physical card is lost, stolen or otherwise needs replacement. SSA notes that you may not need a new physical card if you already know your Social Security number, because the card itself is not required for most situations. The fastest route is to begin through SSA's Social Security Number and Card service. Many U.S. citizens age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address can request a no-change replacement card online when they meet SSA's identity-verification requirements. Applicants who cannot complete the process online can start online and schedule an appointment, or use Form SS-5 and complete the request at a Social Security office or Card Center. Non-U.S. citizens and applicants requesting changes to SSA records may need additional documentation and an in-person step.
How to do it
- Decide whether you actually need a physical replacement. SSA states that in most cases knowing your Social Security number is enough.
- Start at SSA's Social Security Number and Card service. Answer the eligibility questions so SSA can route you to the appropriate application method.
- Complete the replacement online if eligible. Many eligible adults can use a personal my Social Security account for a no-change replacement request.
- If SSA requires an office visit, schedule an appointment. The online process may allow you to self-schedule at a Social Security office or Card Center.
- Gather acceptable identity evidence. Bring the original document or a copy certified by the issuing agency. Do not bring only an ordinary photocopy or notarized copy.
- Use Form SS-5 if you cannot begin the application online. Complete the Application for a Social Security Card and take it with your evidence to the office.
- Present any additional citizenship or immigration evidence SSA requests. Identity is always required for a replacement card, while other evidence depends on your SSA record and circumstances.
- Complete the application with SSA. An SSA employee may verify your documents if an in-person step is required.
- Wait for the card by mail. After SSA completes the request, the replacement card generally arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
- Store the replacement securely. SSA advises against routinely carrying the Social Security card because simply knowing the number is sufficient in many situations.
You may not need a physical replacement if you know your number
The Social Security Administration allows you to request a free replacement Social Security card when your card is lost or stolen.
However, SSA also emphasizes that you may not need a replacement card at all. In most situations, knowing your Social Security number is what matters, and a physical card is not routinely required.
If an employer, government agency or other legitimate organization specifically needs to see the card, or you otherwise need a replacement for your records, use SSA's official replacement process.
Start with SSA's Social Security Number and Card service
The fastest current route is to begin with the Social Security Number and Card process operated by SSA.
The service asks questions about your situation and then determines whether you can:
- complete the replacement request online;
- start online and then schedule an appointment to show documents; or
- complete the request through a Social Security office or Card Center.
SSA expanded this streamlined process in 2026 so applicants can begin online even when an in-person document review is ultimately required.
Many adult U.S. citizens can use a personal my Social Security account
SSA's current online replacement service is available to many applicants who meet its electronic identity-verification rules.
The standard eligibility for a straightforward online replacement includes:
- being a U.S. citizen age 18 or older;
- having a U.S. mailing address, including qualifying APO, FPO and DPO addresses;
- requesting a replacement without a name change or other change to the card; and
- having a qualifying driver's license or state-issued identification card from a jurisdiction supported by SSA's online service.
SSA's online questionnaire determines the available route for your current situation, so use the live service rather than relying on an old list of participating states.
Start online and schedule an SSA office appointment when required
If the fully online route is unavailable, SSA can still allow you to start the application online and then schedule an appointment to complete the request at a local Social Security office or Card Center.
SSA states that beginning online can shorten the amount of time needed during the office visit because much of the application information has already been entered.
If you cannot begin online at all, you can use Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, and bring it with the required evidence to your appointment.
Replacement applicants must prove their identity
Federal regulations require convincing evidence of identity when SSA issues a replacement Social Security card.
For many adult applicants, primary identity evidence includes a current:
- U.S. driver's license;
- state-issued non-driver identification card; or
- U.S. passport.
The evidence must contain enough identifying information to establish that you are the person connected to the Social Security record.
If none of the primary documents is available and you cannot obtain one within the period specified by SSA, the agency may consider other current identity records that satisfy its evidence rules.
Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted
If SSA requires you to present documents, they generally must be originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
SSA does not accept ordinary photocopies or copies merely notarized by someone other than the issuing agency.
SSA also states that original or certified documents that must be reviewed cannot simply be substituted with electronically uploaded copies through its general Upload Documents service.
A birth record can prove other facts but is not sufficient identity evidence by itself
Federal SSA regulations state that a birth record by itself is not sufficient evidence of identity for a Social Security card application.
A birth certificate can be relevant to proving age or U.S. citizenship when SSA requires that evidence, but you may still need a separate acceptable identity document.
If you need a replacement vital record for another SSA requirement, see how to get a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.
Immigration and work-authorization records may be required
A non-U.S. citizen requesting a replacement Social Security card may have to provide current Department of Homeland Security evidence in addition to identity evidence.
SSA's evidence rules depend on the applicant's lawful status and whether the Social Security record already establishes the necessary immigration or employment-authorization information.
If you are a lawful permanent resident whose physical Permanent Resident Card also needs replacement or renewal, that is a separate USCIS process; see how to replace or renew a Green Card with Form I-90.
SSA replacement cards are free
There is no SSA filing fee to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card.
You should not pay a private website merely because it claims that a government fee is required for the card itself. The official SSA replacement process is free.
SSA generally mails the new card in five to ten business days
After SSA completes your replacement-card request, its current service page states that you will generally receive the new card by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
The local Social Security office cannot print a replacement card for you during an appointment.
Additional time may be needed before the request is completed if SSA has to review identity, citizenship or immigration evidence.
Federal law generally limits replacements to three per year and ten in a lifetime
Federal regulations generally limit a person to:
- 3 replacement Social Security cards in one year; and
- 10 replacement cards during a lifetime.
SSA tracks the number of replacement cards it issues.
These limits apply to replacement cards, not to the assignment of a new Social Security number.
Certain record changes and hardship exceptions are excluded
SSA rules exclude certain replacement cards from the annual and lifetime counts. Examples include cards issued for a legal name change or for adding, changing or removing a restrictive work legend.
SSA can also allow reasonable exceptions to the limits on a case-by-case basis when compelling circumstances justify another replacement. Its public document guidance notes that a significant hardship can support an exception.
Replace each government document through the agency that issued it
Replacing the Social Security card does not automatically replace other identity documents that were lost or stolen at the same time.
If a passport, Green Card, state identification document or other credential is also missing, use the issuing agency's separate replacement process.
For Social Security purposes, focus on obtaining acceptable identity evidence if SSA requires an office visit.
A replacement normally keeps the same Social Security number
Replacing a lost or stolen card normally means SSA issues another card showing your existing Social Security number.
A replacement-card request is not an application for a routine new number. SSA assigns a different Social Security number only under limited rules that are separate from ordinary card replacement.
Keeping the card stored securely reduces the risk of another loss
SSA advises people not to routinely carry their Social Security card.
Once the replacement arrives, keep it in a secure place with other important records and carry it only when you have a specific need to show the physical document.
For most everyday purposes, knowing the number is sufficient.
Avoid fees photocopies and unnecessary office trips
- Paying for the card: SSA replacement cards are free.
- Assuming you must replace it immediately: if you know your SSN, a physical card is unnecessary in many situations.
- Going to an SSA office before checking online: start with the Social Security Number and Card service because you may qualify for a fully online replacement.
- Expecting an office to print the card: SSA mails replacement cards after processing.
- Bringing ordinary photocopies: SSA requires originals or properly certified copies when documentary evidence is needed.
- Using only a birth certificate as identity evidence: federal regulations say a birth record alone is not sufficient proof of identity.
- Ignoring replacement-card limits: ordinary replacements are generally limited to three per year and ten in a lifetime.
- Sharing your my Social Security credentials: use your own account and keep the sign-in credentials private.
Start online and let SSA determine whether an office visit is necessary
Begin with SSA's Social Security Number and Card process and answer the eligibility questions accurately.
If your request qualifies for complete online processing, submit it through your personal account. Otherwise, use the online process to arrange an appointment and bring the original or issuing-agency-certified identity documents SSA requires.
The replacement itself costs $0, and after SSA completes the request, the agency generally mails the card within 5 to 10 business days.
Frequently asked questions
How do I replace a lost Social Security card?
Start with SSA's Social Security Number and Card service. It will determine whether you can complete the replacement online or need an appointment at a Social Security office or Card Center.
How do I replace a stolen Social Security card?
Use the same SSA replacement-card process used for a lost card. Begin online, provide any identity evidence SSA requires, and the replacement will be mailed after the request is completed.
Is a replacement Social Security card free?
Yes. SSA charges $0 for a replacement Social Security card.
Do I actually need to replace my Social Security card if I lost it?
Not always. SSA states that in most situations knowing your Social Security number is enough and a physical card is not necessary.
Can I replace my Social Security card online?
Yes, depending on your situation. Many eligible applicants can complete the request online, while others can start online and then schedule an appointment to finish the process.
Who can request a replacement Social Security card completely online?
The standard online no-change route is available to many U.S. citizens age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and qualifying state-issued identification. SSA's live questionnaire determines current eligibility.
Can I replace my Social Security card online if I am changing my name?
A name change is not the same as a simple no-change replacement. SSA uses a separate corrected-card process and requires evidence of the legal name change.
What documents do I need to replace a Social Security card in person?
Identity evidence is required. Common primary documents include a current U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver ID or U.S. passport. Additional citizenship or immigration evidence may be required depending on your SSA record.
Can I use a photocopy of my ID for a Social Security card?
No. When documentary evidence is required, SSA generally requires an original document or a copy certified by the agency that issued it, not an ordinary photocopy or notarized copy.
Can I use a birth certificate as my only proof of identity?
No. Federal SSA regulations state that a birth record alone is not sufficient evidence of identity for a Social Security card application.
What form do I use to replace a Social Security card if I cannot apply online?
Use Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, and bring it with the required evidence to your Social Security office or Card Center appointment.
How long does it take to receive a replacement Social Security card?
SSA currently states that after it completes your request, the replacement card generally arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Can a Social Security office print my replacement card the same day?
No. SSA states that local offices cannot print Social Security cards. The replacement is mailed after processing.
How many replacement Social Security cards can I get?
The general federal limit is three replacement cards in one year and ten during a lifetime, subject to exclusions and compelling-circumstance exceptions.
Does a Social Security card issued after a legal name change count toward the replacement limit?
No. SSA rules exclude replacement cards issued for legal name changes from the annual and lifetime replacement-card counts.
Can SSA issue another card after I reach the replacement limit?
Possibly. Federal regulations allow reasonable exceptions on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances, and SSA guidance recognizes significant hardship as a possible basis.
Does my Social Security number change when I replace a lost card?
Normally no. A replacement card generally contains the same Social Security number already assigned to you.
Can a non-U.S. citizen replace a Social Security card?
Yes, when SSA's requirements are met. Non-U.S. citizens may need current identity, immigration-status and work-authorization evidence depending on their circumstances.
Can I upload a photocopy of my identity document instead of visiting SSA?
Not when SSA requires an original or certified document for the card request. SSA states that original or certified documents cannot be substituted with ordinary electronic uploads.
Should I carry my replacement Social Security card in my wallet?
SSA recommends keeping the card in a safe place rather than carrying it routinely. In most situations, knowing your Social Security number is sufficient.
Official sources
Social Security Administration - Replace Social Security CardSocial Security Administration - How to Apply for a Replacement Social Security Card OnlineSocial Security Administration - Social Security Number Replacement Card Online EligibilitySocial Security Administration - Documents Needed for a Social Security CardSocial Security Administration - Federal Regulation 20 CFR 422.103 Replacement Card LimitsSocial Security Administration - Federal Regulation 20 CFR 422.107 Evidence RequirementsSocial Security Administration - POMS Replacement Card LimitsSocial Security Administration - POMS Evidence Policy for Replacement SSN CardsSocial Security Administration - POMS Acceptable Evidence of IdentitySocial Security Administration - 2026 Streamlined Social Security Number and Card ProcessSocial Security Administration - Original or Certified Documents Cannot Be UploadedRelated procedures
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